About Sawai Madhopur Sawai Madhopur, the entry point for the famous Ranthambhore National Park, is situated around 182 km from Jaipur, the nearest airport. The railway station lies on the Delhi - Bombay route. The city lies midway between Bharatpur and Kota. Location & Attractions Ranthambhore National Park The Park is one of the prime examples of Project Tiger's conservation efforts in Rajasthan. It covers an area of over 400 sq km with many steep crags embracing a network of lakes and rivers. Atop one of these hills, the 10th century Ranthambhore Fort stands like a silent sentinel. The terrain is a blend of impregnable forests and open bush land. The forest is the typically dry deciduous type with dhokbeing the most prominent tree. Ranthambhore is best known for its tiger population. Experts reckon that the tiger population here may now be as low as 15, although the official figures put it at 22, down from 44 a few years back. Apart from tigers, the park has its share of panthers, too. Kachida Valley is believed to be the place to sight these rather elusive cats. One can also find marsh crocodiles, hyenas, jungle cats and sloth bears apart from Chital, Nilgai, and Chinkara. The avian population comprises of black storks, quails, Bonelli's eagles, spur fowls, crested serpent eagles and painted storks. During the winter months, the park attracts a lot of migratory birds, including a variety of ducks. The best time of visit the park is between October and April. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view game. It is the ideal park for wildlife photography. Please note that the safari tour to Ranthambhore National Park by jeep/canter needs to be booked exclusively by logging on to www.rajasthantourism.gov.in. The hotel will not be responsible for arranging the same. Ranthambhore Fort The fort is definitely worth visiting as it offers a panoramic view of the park, from its ramparts. From the fort, one can see open bush land and fairly dense forest, dotted with ruined pavilions/ chatris and hideouts. The area was formerly the hunting preserve of the Maharajas. A good network of four gravel tracks criss-crosses the park and safaris are undertaken in open-sided jeeps driven by a ranger. Jogi Mahal The entry point to the Park goes straight to the foot of the fort and the forest rest house, Jogi Mahal. The latter boasts of the second largest Banyan tree in India. Here Tigers can be seen lolling around in daylight itself. Lakes The Padam Talab, the Raj Bagh Talab and the Milak Talab are some of the lakes in the area that attract tiger population. Tigers have been spotted at the edges of these lakes. Old crumbling walls, ruined pavilions, wells, and other ancient structures stand witness to the region's glorious past. Tigers can be seen lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down Sambar around the lakes. Even if you do not see a tiger, it is worth the effort for the scenery alone. In India, one won't often get the chance to visit such a large area of relatively unexplored bush. Other game, especially the larger and smaller herbivores, can be easily spotted. Festivals Kaila Devi Festival in April is an important festival here.